Warning about carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) poisoning when using generators.

On August 26th, Ky Anh Medical Center (Ha Tinh province) received two patients in a coma, suspected of carbon monoxide poisoning.

According to initial information, due to the impact of Typhoon No. 5, there was a power outage in Ky Anh commune. On the evening of August 25th, Mrs. T. and Mr. A. started a generator to power fans, lights, and other appliances, and then both went to sleep inside the house. The generator was placed in the hallway but connected to the bedroom. When the generator started, the exhaust fumes spread into the room, causing both of them to suffocate and fall into a coma.

By the morning of August 26th, relatives discovered the critical condition of Mrs. T. and Mr. A. and immediately took them to the Ky Anh Medical Center for emergency treatment. Upon arrival, both patients were in a semi-conscious state and experiencing difficulty breathing. After initial emergency care, the patients were transferred to a higher-level facility for further emergency treatment and care.

Previously, due to the impact of Typhoon No. 3 (in September 2024), Hai Phong City experienced widespread power outages, and a 9-year-old child had to be hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator.

Experts warn that using generators in enclosed spaces is very dangerous because generators emit a large amount of carbon monoxide (CO).₂CO is used to burn oxygen. When too much oxygen is burned, CO gas is produced.₂and CO levels will rise.

According to Dr. Bui Anh Son, Head of the Respiratory Department at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, when a generator operates in a closed room, it uses the oxygen in the room to burn fuel. When the oxygen in the room runs out, the amount of CO2 increases.₂The levels will gradually increase, and more CO gas will be formed at the same time.

Mixture of CO and CO₂Extremely dangerous, with a very high risk of death. This includes carbon monoxide (CO).₂It causes suffocation and coma; carbon monoxide (CO) also binds to hemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells, preventing the blood from carrying oxygen to the body's cells.

Meanwhile, these gases are colorless, tasteless, and odorless, making them very difficult to detect. When poisoned, victims will experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, chest pain, vomiting, disorientation, confusion, and convulsions. Death can even occur if not treated promptly.

According to Dr. Bui Anh Son, the recommendation is that when using a generator, it should be placed in a well-ventilated area. Absolutely do not use it in enclosed rooms or small, cramped spaces. If victims are found to be suffering from gas poisoning, quickly open doors to allow air to circulate. Simultaneously, quickly remove the patient from the area containing toxic gas. If the patient is breathing weakly or is unconscious, immediately perform artificial respiration and transport them to the nearest hospital.

Following the widespread power outages caused by Typhoon No. 5, many families used generators to maintain their daily lives. Doctors advised people to place generators in well-ventilated rooms to allow exhaust fumes to escape, avoiding enclosed spaces, and to keep generators separate from living areas.